RAN commissions HMAS Eyre: The Royal Australian Navy commissioned HMAS Eyre into the fleet in a ceremony at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. HMAS Eyre is the second of six planned Arafura class offshore patrol vessels (OPV) to enter service, following the commissioning of sister ship HMAS Arafura last year. The 80-metre long Arafura class OPVs will help patrol and secure Australia’s maritime border alongside the Evolved Cape class patrol boats.  Together, they play a key role in humanitarian and disaster relief, and enhance Navy’s regional engagement. HMAS Eyre has a range of 4,000 nautical miles and can perform roles previously requiring numerous vessels. The ship has further improved living quarters and amenities to better support sailors and officers deployed at sea. HMAS Eyre was built by Civmec Defence Industries (formerly Luerssen Australia) at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. The next four OPVs are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said: “The commissioning of HMAS Eyre strengthens our nation’s maritime security, providing our Navy with the capability to protect Australia’s maritime approaches, contributing to stability in our region. Offshore patrol vessels like HMAS Eyre are a force multiplier, performing a number of roles in a variety of missions. HMAS Eyre will conduct maritime surveillance interdiction and was purpose built to embark containerised mission systems as part of an integrated capability. I am very much looking forward to seeing all six of these flexible ships in the hands of our capable Royal Australian Navy sailors.”
HMAS Toowoomba returns to WA from regional presence deployment: Royal Australian Navy Anzac class frigate HMAS Toowoomba has returned to Fleet Base West in Western Australia following a successful completion of its four-month Regional Presence Deployment (RPD) to South East Asia and North Asia. Since departing in late January, HMAS Toowoomba has sailed over 52,700 kilometres, with the crew visiting and conducting engagements with Indonesia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Accomplishments during this Regional Presence Deployment include sanctions enforcement missions against North Korea under Operation Argos, training with Japan on Exercise Nichi Gou Trident 26, and integrating with other navies during Exercise Balikatan 26 in the Philippines. Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said Toowoomba’s deployment was a demonstration of Australia’s National Defence Strategy at work. “HMAS Toowoomba’s cooperation with our regional allies and partners are tangible examples of how Australia contributes to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific,” Vice Admiral Jones said. Australia has a longstanding practice of maintaining a deployed presence in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing our status as a reliable and transparent security partner in our region.” Commander Alicia Harrison, Commanding Officer of HMAS Toowoomba, said the ship’s crew was proud to have represented Australia abroad throughout this deployment. Our mission would not have been possible without the exceptional efforts of our crew and the support of our families and loved ones at home,” Commander Harrison said.
HMAS Brisbane personnel march through Brisbane: Royal Australian Navy personnel from HMAS Brisbane marched through Brisbane’s central business district on Friday 29 May, exercising the ship’s Freedom of Entry to the city in a formal display of pride, tradition and celebrating Navy’s strong ties with the Queensland community. The Freedom of Entry is a long‑standing civic honour, symbolising the trust and respect between a city and a military unit. It is among the highest distinctions a city can confer. Against the backdrop of Brisbane’s city streets, officers and sailors paraded in formation, acknowledging Navy’s enduring relationship with Queensland and thanking the local community for its continued support. Commanding Officer HMAS Brisbane Commander David Mason, said the occasion was a proud moment for the ship’s company. “It is an honour for the crew of HMAS Brisbane to march through the city and demonstrate our connection with the Brisbane community,” Commander Mason said. “Opportunities such as this allow us to thank the community for their continued support and strengthen the relationship between Navy and the Australian people.” HMAS Brisbane is a Hobart‑class guided missile destroyer, representing some of Navy’s most advanced maritime capability and operated by highly skilled personnel. The visit forms part of a broader program of engagement activities in Brisbane, including a ship open day, giving the public a rare opportunity to experience Navy life and learn more about its role in protecting Australia’s interests.
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected]
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]
As far back as 1976 I saw my first Singaporean fast attack missile patrol boat. 50 years later we still don’t have anything near that capability which makes ours primarily targets.